The effect of antenatal father-supported and hands-on breastfeeding education on mothers' breastfeeding success and self-efficacy

This randomized controlled experimental study aimed to evaluate the effect of prenatal father-involved practical breastfeeding education on maternal breastfeeding success and self-efficacy. The study included 42 participants in the control group, 44 in intervention group 1, and 45 in intervention group 2. The process consisted of three follow-ups. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Antenatal-Postpartum Short Form). Intervention group 1 received practical breastfeeding education; intervention group 2 received father-involved practical breastfeeding education. The control group received routine standard breastfeeding education. Median LATCH scores were 6.5 in the control group, 7 in intervention group 1, and 7 in intervention group 2. A significant group × time interaction was found in LATCH scores (p <0.001). While no significant change occurred over time in the control and intervention 1 groups, a significant improvement was observed in intervention group 2. No significant differences were found between groups at specific time points. Regarding breastfeeding self-efficacy, median scores were 45.5 (control), 45.5 (intervention 1), and 50 (intervention 2). A strong effect of time was observed regardless of group (ATS = 173.347, p <0.001, ES = 0.571). The group × time interaction was also significant (ATS = 117.742, p <0.001, ES = 0.475), whereas the overall group effect was not (p = 0.110). In conclusion, father-involved practical breastfeeding education during the prenatal period significantly improved maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and had a positive time-dependent effect on breastfeeding success.